November 2004/39
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2002-03 statistics derived from ILR data for the monitoring and allocation of funding in FECs

This document describes the monitoring process we will use when comparing returns made to the Learning and Skills Council with other returns made to HEFCE. Where we identify significant differences between 2002-03 ILR F04 data and HEIFES02, we will write to the further education colleges (FECs) concerned by 15 November 2004. This report also describes how we will use ILR data to inform funding allocations.

Table of contents and executive summary (read on-line)

Frequently asked questions, SAS code and accompanying note to the code

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Executive summary

Introduction

Annexes

Annex A    Summary of changes since ISR 2001-02 derived statistics (HEFCE 2003/21)

Annex B    Comparison of HEIFES02 and the HEIFES02 re-creation

Annex C    HEIFES02 re-creation algorithms

Annex D    Troubleshooting the comparison of HEIFES02 and the HEIFES02 re-creation

Annex E    Problems of fit with the HEIFES02 re-creation algorithms

Annex F    HEFCE regional statistics

Annex G    HEFCE regional statistics algorithms

Annex H    Obtaining data from the HEFCE extranet

Annex I     Guidance for action and implementation plans

Annex J    Example action and implementation plans

Annex K    Submitting amendments to 2002-03 ILR F04 data

Annex L    List of abbreviations

Executive summary

Purpose

1.    This document describes the monitoring process we will use when comparing returns made to the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) with returns made to HEFCE. This document is divided into two sections:

1. The comparison of Higher Education in Further Education: Students Survey 2002-03 (HEIFES02) and the Learning and Skills Council's (LSC's) July 2002-03 Individualised Learner Record (2002-03 ILR F04).
2. The use of 2002-03 ILR F04 data to generate HEFCE regional statistics.

Key points

Funding monitoring

2.    Our funding allocations are informed by the data provided by colleges. If we find, either through reconciliations with 2002-03 ILR F04 data, or any data audit, that the HEIFES02 submission does not reflect the outturn position for the year and that this has resulted in colleges receiving incorrect funding allocations, then we will adjust their funding accordingly (subject to the appeals process and the availability of funds). Any funding adjustments following the comparison of 2002-03 ILR F04 data with HEIFES02 are likely to affect the funding previously announced for 2002-03 and all subsequent years.

3.    The timetable for responses is given in paragraph 8.

Action required

Funding monitoring

4.    We will write to heads of institution, copied to HEIFES contacts, by 15 November 2004 indicating whether a response is required.

5.    Where we require a response, an action and implementation plan should be sent by 3 December 2004 to:

6.    The final deadline for receipt of amendments by HEFCE to 2002-03 ILR F04 data is 14 January 2005.

2002-03 ILR F04 data for verification of regional statistics

7.    If institutions wish to correct 2002-03 ILR F04 data that will be used to generate HEFCE regional statistics they should submit amendments by 10 December 2004 to Lisa Readdy. We will assume institutions are content for their 2002-03 ILR F04 data to be published if they do not submit amendments before this date. The basis for deriving statistics for HEFCE publications has fundamentally changed. Details of this change are given in Annex A.

Timetable

8.    The following timetable details the key deadlines for the exercise:

9.    Notification of any grant adjustments will normally take approximately six weeks. Colleges will be given four weeks from notification of grant adjustments to submit any appeals for mitigation. Colleges will be informed of the outcome of any appeal and the final grant adjustments following consideration from the HEFCE chief executive.